Solving the Symbol Substitution Math Puzzle

This problem requires us to substitute given symbols with mathematical operators and then solve the resulting arithmetic expression using the correct order of operations.

1. Understanding the Symbol Mapping

First, let's clearly define the substitution rules provided:

• 'I' represents addition (+)
• 'J' represents multiplication (x)
• 'K' represents division (÷)
• 'L' represents subtraction (-)

2. Substituting Symbols in the Equation

The given equation is: $6 K 2 J 4 L 3 I 9 = ?$

Now, we replace each symbol with its corresponding operator:

• Replace 'K' with '÷'
• Replace 'J' with 'x'
• Replace 'L' with '-'
• Replace 'I' with '+'

The equation becomes: $6 ÷ 2 x 4 - 3 + 9 = ?$

3. Applying the Order of Operations (BODMAS/PEMDAS)

To solve the expression $6 ÷ 2 x 4 - 3 + 9$ correctly, we must follow the order of operations. BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction) or PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction) rule helps us determine the sequence.

According to the rule, we perform Division and Multiplication from left to right, followed by Addition and Subtraction from left to right.

4. Step-by-Step Calculation

1. Division: Perform the division first as it appears on the left.

   $ 6 \div 2 = 3 $

   The expression now is: $3 x 4 - 3 + 9$

2. Multiplication: Next, perform the multiplication.

   $ 3 \times 4 = 12 $

   The expression now is: $12 - 3 + 9$

3. Subtraction: Perform the subtraction next, moving from left to right.

   $ 12 - 3 = 9 $

   The expression now is: $9 + 9$

4. Addition: Finally, perform the addition.

   $ 9 + 9 = 18 $

5. Final Result

The value that comes in place of the question mark (?) is 18.